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News: Researchers used a Raman spectrometer supported by the DST-Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) Programme to identify Mars-analogue minerals in Tamil Nadu and Chile.
About Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) Programme
- The Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme is a flagship research and development programme to upgrade research and teaching facilities in Indian universities, PG colleges, and scientific institutions.
- Aim: It is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions.
- It is considered as complimentary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently.
- Nodal Department: Department of Science & Technology (DST) is the nodal ministry.
- It is also the funding Agency.
- Focus Area: All Science Disciplines
- Features:
- Focus of the research: The synergy and focus of research may preferably be aligned to National Missions/ priorities.
- Duration: The duration of support for each FIST Project will be for a period of 5 years.
- It provide optimal infrastructure for postgraduate and higher research through renovation and modernization of existing laboratories, cold rooms, equipment, and research facilities, without undertaking new construction.
- It also supports upgradation of research support facilities, including networking and computational resources, software and databases, scientific and technical books (excluding journals), and maintenance and refurbishment of existing and new facilities.
- The facilities provided under the program are intended to support the efforts of the Department as a whole or a number of faculty members in the Department.
- Proposal towards individual R&D support would not be accepted under this Scheme.
- Types of Support under the FIST Programme
- Level A (Academic-PGC): Up to ₹1.5 crore for 5 years to establish research facilities in eligible active postgraduate colleges.
- Level B (Basic R&D Departments): Up to ₹3 crore for 5 years to strengthen research facilities in eligible postgraduate S&T departments of universities and academic institutions.
- Level C (Contemporary R&D Departments): Up to ₹10 crore for 5 years to support established S&T departments in acquiring advanced equipment and developing laboratories for internationally competitive research.
- FIST-SHAKTI: Institutional-level funding to develop advanced, high-end technological facilities with active users from both the host institution and external organizations.
